UNESCO Sites in Germany

Germany UNESCO has registered 51 sites on the World Heritage list and 8 on the tentative list.

Some places are so interesting that it’s relevant to keep them for future generations. This is why UNESCO has built a list of crucial classified properties in which superb places stand out for their aesthetic, natural, artistic, or cultural significance.

More than a thousand places are registered as Unesco’s World Heritage worldwide. Due to my interest in visiting World Heritage sites, I compiled the UNESCO list in Germany and the corresponding map.

Germany UNESCO list

1. Aachen Cathedral
2. Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
3. Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke
4. Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
5. Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
6. Berlin Modernism Housing Estates
7. Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey
8. Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl
9. Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
10. Classical Weimar
11. Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg
12. Cologne Cathedral
13. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region
14. Fagus Factory in Alfeld
15. Frontiers of the Roman Empire
16. Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Danube Limes (Western Segment)
17. Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes
18. Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
19. Hanseatic City of Lübeck
20. Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar
21. Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg
22. Margravial Opera House Bayreuth
23. Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
24. Maulbronn Monastery Complex
25. Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
26. Monastic Island of Reichenau
27. Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin
28. Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski
29. Naumburg Cathedral
30. Old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof
31. Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
32. Pilgrimage Church of Wies
33. Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
34. Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
35. ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz
36. Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus
37. Speyer Cathedral
38. St Mary’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Church at Hildesheim
39. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement
40. The Great Spa Towns of Europe
41. Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen
42. Town of Bamberg
43. Upper Middle Rhine Valley
44. Völklingen Ironworks
45. Wartburg Castle
46. Water Management System of Augsburg
47. Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square
48. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
49. Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
50. Messel Pit Fossil Site
51. Wadden Sea

Germany UNESCO Map

Click on the blue pins to view more relevant information about each World Heritage site in Germany.

Description

1. Aachen Cathedral is a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. It was built in the 8th century under Charlemagne’s direction as his imperial palace chapel, and it was later used for the coronation of German kings and queens. It features an intricate combination of elements from different artistic styles and periods, including Roman, Byzantine, and Gothic.
2. The Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch are a former Benedictine abbey in Lorsch, Germany. It was founded in the 8th century and was a center of learning and culture during the Carolingian period. The abbey was an important site for spreading Christianity in the region and was crucial in developing the German language and script.
3. The Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke is a cultural landscape that includes the remains of Hedeby, a Viking-era trading center, and the Danevirke, a defensive wall built by the Danes to protect their territory from invasions. The site showcases the cultural exchange between the Vikings and other European cultures and the region’s strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
4. Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several buildings designed by the Bauhaus School of Architecture founded in 1919 in Weimar. The buildings in three cities represent a unique combination of art and technology and play a significant role in modern architecture and design development.
5. Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is a unique landscape park in Kassel featuring cascading waterfalls, a monumental statue of Hercules, and a Baroque castle. It was designed in the 18th century as a symbol of absolute monarchy and the state’s power, and it is now recognized as a masterpiece of European garden design.
6. Berlin Modernism Housing Estates is a group of six residential housing estates built between 1913 and 1934 in Berlin. They are examples of the modernist architecture and urban planning of the Weimar Republic, and they reflect the social and cultural changes that took place in Germany during that period.
7. Carolingian Westwork and Civitas Corvey are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the remains of a Carolingian church and a medieval Benedictine abbey. The Network is a unique architectural feature that served as the church entrance and symbolized the Carolingian rulers’ power and authority. The Civitas Corvey was an important cultural and spiritual center during the Middle Ages and played a crucial role in developing the German language and literature.
8. Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl are two Baroque palaces in Brühl, Germany. They were built in the 18th century as hunting lodges for the Elector of Cologne and are examples of the opulent lifestyle of the European aristocracy during the Baroque period.
9. Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several caves in southwestern Germany that contain some of the oldest figurative art in the world. The art dates back to the Ice Age, includes carvings of animals, humans, and abstract symbols, and provides valuable insights into our ancestors’ cultural and artistic achievements.
10. Classical Weimar: This World Heritage Site includes several buildings and places associated with the Classical period in Germany, specifically the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It includes Goethe’s Home, Schiller’s Residence, the Wittumspalais, and the City Castle.
11. Collegiate Church, Castle, and Old Town of Quedlinburg: This site encompasses the old town of Quedlinburg, along with the Collegiate Church and the Castle. It represents a well-preserved example of a medieval European town with Romanesque architecture.
12. Cologne Cathedral: This is a famous landmark of Cologne in Germany, considered one of the largest and most impressive examples of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is over 700 years old and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance.
13. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region: This World Heritage Site is located in the border region of Germany and the Czech Republic. It contains several active mining sites during the 15th to 16th centuries and significantly developed mining technology.
14. Fagus Factory in Alfeld is a unique example of modernist industrial architecture designed by German German architect Walter Gropius. It is considered a pioneering building in the development of modern architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15. Frontiers of the Roman Empire: This transnational World Heritage Site covers several areas and landmarks associated with the Roman Empire’s boundaries. These include Hadrian’s Wall in the UK, the Lower German Limes, and the Danube Limes in Germany.
16. The Danube Limes (Western Segment) site consists of a series of frontier fortifications, ramparts, and towers along the Danube River. These Roman fortifications were built in the 1st century AD to protect the Roman Empire from barbarian invasions from the north and east. The Western Segment of the Danube Limes stretches from the Rhine River in Germany to the Danube River in Austria. It includes the archaeological remains of many Roman military camps and settlements, as well as the border of the Roman Empire with the free Germanic tribes. The site is an exceptional example of the Roman military presence and the impact of Roman civilization on the European continent. It provides an insight into the region’s ancient history and the Roman Empire’s role in shaping Europe’s cultural identity.
17. The Lower German Limes is a section of the Roman frontier, or limes that extended along the Rhine River in Germany from the Netherlands to the town of Lorch. The Lower German Limes was built in the first half of the second century AD to protect the Roman Empire from the Germanic tribes to the east. The frontier consisted of a system of forts, watchtowers, and walls that served as a barrier against invasion. Today, the Lower German Limes’ remains are visible in archaeological sites, reconstructed fortifications, and museums. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as a part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire serial property, which includes other sections of the Roman frontier in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.
18. Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz: This site is an exceptional example of landscape design and includes several English-style parks and gardens created during the 18th century. It is located in the region of Dessau-Wörlitz in Germany.
19. Hanseatic City of Lübeck: This site includes the old town of Lübeck in Germany, which is considered an outstanding example of medieval urban architecture. It played a significant role in the Hanseatic League’s history, an economic and defensive alliance of cities and merchant guilds during the Middle Ages.
20. Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar: These two cities are located on the Baltic coast of Germany and represent a well-preserved example of medieval urbanism. They were important trading cities during the Middle Ages and retained their urban structure and architecture.
21. Luther Memorials in Eisleben and Wittenberg: These two cities are associated with the life and work of Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation. They include several sites and landmarks related to Luther’s life and legacy, such as his birthplace and the church where he preached.
22. Margravial Opera House Bayreuth: located in Bayreuth, Germany, the Margravial Opera House is a Baroque opera house built between 1744 and 1748. It was designed by the famous architect Giuseppe Galli Bibiena and is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Baroque theater architecture.
23. Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt: located in Darmstadt, Germany, the Mathildenhöhe is an artists’ colony built in the Art Nouveau style. It was established in the late 19th century by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse. It features several buildings designed by renowned Art Nouveau artists, including Peter Behrens, Joseph Maria Olbrich, and Albin Müller.
24. Maulbronn Monastery Complex: located in Maulbronn, Germany, the Maulbronn Monastery Complex is a former Cistercian abbey founded in 1147. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Europe and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
25. Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar, and Upper Harz Water Management System: located in the Harz Mountains of Germany, this site includes a medieval town, a mine that was in operation for over 1,000 years, and a complex system of water management that was used to power the mines.
26. Monastic Island of Reichenau: located on an island in Lake Constance in southern Germany, the Monastic Island of Reichenau was a center of religious and cultural life during the Middle Ages. It features several well-preserved Romanesque and Carolingian buildings, including three churches and a monastery.
27. Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin: located in the heart of Berlin, the Museumsinsel is a complex of five world-renowned museums that house some of the world’s most important collections of art and artifacts. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
28. Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski: located on the border between Germany and Poland, Muskauer Park is a landscape park designed in English by Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau in the 19th century. The park spans both sides of the border and features several architectural and horticultural highlights.
29. Naumburg Cathedral: located in Naumburg, is a Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century. It is known for its stunning stained glass windows and sculptures, considered some of the most important works of art of the Middle Ages.
30. The old town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof: located in Bavaria, the old town of Regensburg is a well-preserved medieval city that was an important center of trade and commerce during the Middle Ages. It features several notable Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque buildings, including St. Peter’s Cathedral.
31. Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin: located in Brandenburg, the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin are a complex of palaces and gardens that the Prussian kings and emperors built in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most famous is the Sanssouci Palace, surrounded by a large park with ornate gardens and fountains.
32. The Pilgrimage Church of Wies is a Rococo church in Bavaria, Germany, built between 1745 and 1754. It is famous for its ornate interior decoration and its location in a picturesque setting of rolling hills and meadows.
33. The Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps are a group of 111 archaeological sites in six countries around the Alps. These sites are remains of prehistoric settlements built on stilts over the lakes, dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
34. Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter, and Church of Our Lady in Trier is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Trier, Germany. It comprises several Roman ruins, including a Roman amphitheater, the Porta Nigra gate, and the Imperial Baths, as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter and the Church of Our Lady.
35. The ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz are a group of Jewish heritage sites located in the cities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz in Germany. The sites include synagogues, cemeteries, and ritual baths and are significant in Jewish culture and tradition history.
36. Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus is a district in Hamburg, Germany, featuring a unique architecture of brick warehouses and office buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, it contributed to the developing of international trade and commerce in the late 19th century.
37. Speyer Cathedral is a Romanesque cathedral located in the city of Speyer, Germany, and is considered one of the world’s most important examples of Romanesque architecture. It was built between 1030 and 1061 and is known for its large nave and massive pillars.
38. St Mary’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Church at Hildesheim is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hildesheim, Germany. It comprises two medieval churches: St. Mary’s Cathedral, which was built between 1010 and 1020, and St. Michael’s Church, which was built between 1001 and 1031. Both churches are notable for their Romanesque architecture and decorative arts.
39. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement, is a group of 17 buildings designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, located in several countries worldwide. The buildings, built between 1914 and 1965, are known for their modernist style and influence on 20th-century architecture and urban planning.
40. The Great Spa Towns of Europe refers to a group of European spa towns that have played an important role in developing European spa culture since the 18th century. The towns in several countries including Germany, Austria, and France are known for their historic spa buildings and picturesque settings.
41. The Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bremen, Germany. It comprises the town hall and the statue of Roland, which were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The town hall is notable for its Renaissance architecture and its importance in the history of the Hanseatic League.
42. The Town of Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bamberg, Germany. It comprises a historic town center with medieval and baroque architecture, including the Bamberg Cathedral, the Alte Hofhaltung Palace, and the Neue Residenz Palace. It is known for its well-preserved historic character and contribution to European urban planning and architecture.
43. Upper Middle Rhine Valley: Located in the central part of the Rhine River Valley in Germany, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a cultural landscape that combines natural beauty and cultural heritage. It includes a 65 km stretch of the Rhine River between Bingen and Koblenz, where the river flows through steep valleys, terraced vineyards, and picturesque villages. The valley is home to a remarkable concentration of castles, historic towns, and vineyards, all of which witness the region’s cultural and economic history.
44. Völklingen Ironworks: Völklingen Ironworks is a former iron and steelworks located in the town of Völklingen in Germany’s Saarland region. It was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and operated until 1986. Today, it is one of the few surviving examples of integrated ironworks from this period and is a unique monument to Europe’s industrialization history. The site has been carefully preserved and is now open to visitors as a museum, offering insight into the region’s industrial heritage.
45. Wartburg Castle: Wartburg Castle is a medieval castle in the city of Eisenach in central Germany. Built in the 11th century, the castle played an important role in German history and culture, particularly during the Reformation. It was also the site where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German. The castle has been carefully preserved over the centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open to visitors who can explore the castle’s rich history and cultural significance.
46. Water Management System of Augsburg: The Water Management System of Augsburg is a network of canals, water towers, and hydraulic systems built in the 15th and 16th centuries to provide the city of Augsburg with a reliable water supply. The system includes a series of impressive structures, such as the Lech weir, the largest weir in the world at its construction, and the Perlach Tower, which served as a water storage facility. Today, the system is still in use and is an outstanding example of medieval hydraulic engineering.
47. Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square: The Würzburg Residence is a baroque palace in the city of Würzburg in southern Germany. Built-in the 18th century, the palace is one of Germany’s most important examples of baroque architecture. It features ornate decorations, stucco work, and frescoes by renowned period artists. The palace also includes extensive gardens and a large square in front of the palace, which served as a ceremonial space for the prince-bishops of Würzburg.
48. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen: The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a former coal mine in Essen in western Germany. It operated from 1851 to 1986 and is considered one of the world’s most important examples of industrial architecture. The complex features a unique combination of functional design and architectural elegance and was designed by the renowned modernist architect Fritz Schupp. Today, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
49. Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe: This World Heritage Site comprises 78 protected beech forest areas throughout Europe, including 12 countries. These forests are considered primeval, meaning they have been undisturbed for a long time, and are home to numerous rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
50. The Messel Pit Fossil Site is located in Germany and is a disused quarry notable for its exceptional fossils. It contains the best-preserved fossil record from the Eocene Epoch, around 47 million years ago. The site has provided important insights into the evolution of mammals, including early horses, bats, and primates.
51. The Wadden Sea is a coastal wetland area in the southeastern part of the North Sea, located in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is a unique ecosystem consisting of mudflats, salt marshes, and barrier islands, and it is one of the largest unbroken systems of intertidal sand and mudflats in the world. The Wadden Sea is home to many plant and animal species, including millions of migratory birds, seals, and marine creatures. It is also an important breeding ground for fish and shellfish.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany have protected places for their cultural and natural importance.

Sites on the Tentative List

1. Francke Foundation Buildings
2. The Jewish Cemetery of Altona Königstraße. Sephardic Sepulchral Culture of the 17th and 18th centuries between Europe and the Caribbean
3. Alpine and pre-alpine meadow and marsh landscapes (historic anthropogenic landscapes in the area of “Werdenfelser Land”, “Ammergau”, “Staffelseegebiet” and “Murnauer Moos”, district Garmisch-Partenkirchen)
4. Residence Ensemble Schwerin – Cultural Landscape of Romantic Historicism
5. Old Synagogue and Mikveh in Erfurt – Testimonies of everyday life, religion and town history between change and continuity
6. Dreams in Stone – the palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee
7. Luther memorials in Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Bavaria and Thuringia
8. Moravian Church Settlements